Has PBKS Dropped Shikhar Dhawan As Captain For Remainder Of IPL 2024?
Why is Shikhar Dhawan not playing in PBKS vs RR (AP Photo)
Punjab Kings (PBKS) have hit a major setback as captain Shikhar Dhawan is not playing against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on Saturday at Mullanpur. In Match 27 of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2024), Dhawan is replaced by Punjab's prolific all-rounder Sam Curran as captain, whereas; Atharv Taide is playing instead of the southpaw opener.
The 37-year-old left-handed batter has picked up a niggle and is not fit enough to participate in Punjab's much-anticapted clash against the Royals.
"Unfortanetely, Shikhar has picked up a niggle and I'm here. Hopefully, I can do well for the team. We would have bowled first as well. But nothing we can do right now. We have to do well now with the bat in hand," Sam Curran said at the toss before the RR clash at Mullanpur.
Against all reasonings, PBKS has opted for Sam Curran over their vice-captain for the season, Jitesh Sharma. Interestingly, Curran led the side last season in their matches, where Punjab won two of them.
Apart from Dhawan, the Kings have brought back Liam Livingstone in place of Sikandar Raza.
Rajasthan, on the other hand, have made a handful of changes - resting an injured Jos Buttler and Ravichandran Ashwin.
PBKS vs RR: Playing XIs
Rajasthan Royals: Sanju Samson (c and wk), Riyan Parag, Rovman Powell, Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Trent Boult, Keshav Maharaj, Avesh Khan, Kuldeep Sen, Tanush Kotian, Yuzvendra Chahal
Punjab Kings: Jonny Bairstow, Atharva Taide, Prabhsimran Singh, Sam Curran (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Shashank Singh, Harpreet Brar, Harshal Patel, Arshdeep Singh, Kagiso Rabada
 "Arjun Bhalla")
